gellan gum
Basic Information
| Field | Content |
|---|---|
| Chinese name | 结冷胶 |
| English name | gellan gum |
| INS/E number | INS 418 |
| Functional class | Thickener, Vegetable gum, Stabilizer, Emulsifier |
| Year adopted | To be added. |
| Approved by | Australia/New Zealand (FSANZ), European Union (EFSA) |
What is it?
gellan gum (INS 418) is a Thickener, Stabilizer, Emulsifier food additive. Used to increase viscosity and improve mouthfeel and body.Used to keep the physical state of foods stable, preventing separation, sedimentation or syneresis.Allows immiscible liquids (e.g. oil and water) to form a stable uniform system, improving texture.
Source
Natural：Mostly natural polysaccharides or proteins (e.g. pectin, xanthan, carrageenan, starch).Mostly natural gums, proteins or polysaccharides (e.g. gelatin, pectin, locust bean gum).Some derive from natural raw materials (e.g. soy lecithin, egg-yolk phospholipids).
Industrial：Some are modified for performance (e.g. hydroxypropyl starch, CMC).Some are physically or chemically modified (e.g. carboxymethyl cellulose, modified starches).Many are made by esterifying glycerol with fatty acids or further derivatisation (e.g. monoglycerides, spans, tweens).
Why is it used?
- Increase viscosity
- Improve body and mouthfeel
- Stabilise suspensions
- Maintain homogeneity
- Prevent syneresis and sedimentation
- Improve texture and water retention
- Stabilise oil-water emulsions
- Improve mouthfeel and structure
- Prevent separation
Common Foods
- Sauces
- Soups
- Jelly
- Yoghurt
- Beverages
- Ice cream
- Margarine
- Bakery
- Chocolate
Safety
Mostly indigestible polysaccharides, safe within permitted use; some act as dietary fibre.Most act as dietary fibre or inert colloids and are safe within permitted use.Largely metabolised in the gut; generally safe within permitted use; JECFA sets ADI where applicable.
Metabolism：Metabolic pathways vary by substance; generally the material is metabolised or excreted normally.
Concerns：
- Use within permitted levels
- Sensitive individuals should check the ingredient list
Usage Standard
China：依据 GB 2760《食品安全国家标准 食品添加剂使用标准》确定使用范围与最大使用量；具体限值随食品类别而异。
International：
- China GB 2760 National Food Safety Standard for Uses of Food Additives：https://www.cfsa.net.cn/
- Codex GSFA General Standard for Food Additives：https://www.fao.org/food-safety/codex-alimentarius/en/
- FAO/WHO JECFA (Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives)：https://www.fao.org/food-safety/scientific-advice/jecfa/en/
- US FDA Substances Added to Food：https://www.fda.gov/food/food-additives-petitions/substances-added-food-previously-food-additive-status-list
- EU EFSA Food Additives：https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/topics/topic/food-additives
In a nutshell
gellan gum is a Thickener, Stabilizer, Emulsifier, safe for use in food production within permitted limits.
Disclaimer
The information provided here is for discussion and educational purposes only. It is not medical advice or an evaluation/rating of any product or ingredient. This information may not apply to you; before using or taking any action, you should contact the manufacturer, vendor, medical, dietary, fitness, or other professionals. If you use any information provided here, you do so at your own risk.